Gov. Holcomb, IEDC and Indy airport announce new transatlantic flight
INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 21, 2024) – Joining via video from across the Atlantic Ocean today, Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indianapolis International Airport (IND) officials to announce long-awaited and much-anticipated news regarding a new transatlantic flight to Europe. On May 3, 2025, Aer Lingus will provide nonstop service to Dublin, Ireland (DUB), flying out four times weekly from Indianapolis.
The new nonstop transatlantic flight is a key part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Agenda in providing a critical link connecting Indiana businesses with global markets.
“Reopening a much needed and frequently requested transatlantic route to our dear friends in Ireland will once again open new opportunities for business and leisure alike. It’s important that Indiana always keep investing in itself, by letting the world know we’re open for business and not even the sky’s the limit to our cultivated connections,” said Gov. Holcomb.
The Aer Lingus nonstop flight will connect Indiana and Europe year-round with service scheduled four times per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with a short break between January and February. Operating on a state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR, the Aer Lingus nonstop flight will offer dual class seats, including 16 business class seats.
“Today is further proof of our commitment to bring Indiana to the world, by making air travel convenient whether it’s doing business, visiting loved ones, or experiencing new places domestically or internationally,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority’s executive director. “And our team has done that once again by diligently pursuing crucial industry conversations and transforming those into a community-wide effort that includes state, city, civic and corporate partners.”
Hoosiers and global businesses will have ready access to the legendary Emerald Isle, and seamless connections to 20 destinations beyond Dublin to major cities in Europe and the United Kingdom, such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Rome and Amsterdam.
As an added convenience, Dublin Airport is one of only two airports in Europe that provides U.S.-bound travelers with preclearance services. Those traveling on nonstop flights to the United States will complete immigration and customs procedures in Dublin prior to their departure and are treated as domestic passengers in Indy on arrival.
Air service analysis shows an average of 545 people travel from the Indianapolis area to European destinations daily. By attracting Indiana’s new year-round transatlantic flight, the IAA estimates that this new air service could have a more than $50 million annual impact on Indiana’s economy.
“Aer Lingus is thrilled to introduce a new direct connection between Indianapolis and Europe, enhancing connectivity to this dynamic city,” said Reid Moody, Aer Lingus chief strategy and planning officer. “Customers can enjoy smooth journeys to Ireland and to 20 exhilarating destinations across Europe, connecting seamlessly through Aer Lingus’ Dublin hub. With its flourishing industries ranging from healthcare to technology, Indianapolis is an exciting addition to Aer Lingus’ expanding transatlantic network. As well as its rich arts and culture scene, Indianapolis is a mecca for sports enthusiasts worldwide, who are drawn by iconic events like the Indy 500.”
Indiana is home to more than 1,090 foreign-owned business establishments, representing more than 40 countries and territories. In 2023, foreign-owned companies committed to investing $20.49 billion to locate or expand operations in Indiana – a 182% increase from 2022 and 71% of the IEDC’s total committed capital investment in 2023 – and create approximately 8,500 new Hoosier jobs.
While there were already strong, strategic economic connections between Indiana and Ireland, the recent news of Eli Lilly’s $1.8 billion investment into their two Irish facilities truly emphasizes the growing demand for a nonstop flight from Indy to Dublin. Additionally, Indiana is home to 52 Ireland-based businesses.
“Indiana’s economy has been on an unprecedented trajectory of growth,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. “In 2023, foreign direct investment made up 70 percent of all committed capital investment in the state. Our partners in Ireland and Europe have been a significant part of the growth we’ve experienced. This new transatlantic route will only add to that growth and open up Indiana to vast new opportunities.”
The Indianapolis International Airport has been named the best airport in North America for the twelfth consecutive year by Airports Council International, and recently was named the number one medium-sized airport in North America by J.D. Power, it’s seventh time overall receiving this top ranking. Including this new route, the Indy airport now offers nonstop service to 50 destinations. IND is also on track to break a record with more than 10 million passengers this year.
“The addition of this direct international flight allows Indianapolis to further expand its presence in the global community,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Whether it is for leisure or business, Indianapolis is ready and eager to welcome visitors from overseas to our city and hope they take advantage of all Indianapolis has to offer.”
Established in 1936, Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier, and is certified by Skytrax as a four-star airline, putting it in an exclusive class among the elite company of 40 other 4-star airlines globally. Aer Lingus partners on specific routes with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, JetBlue and United Airlines. The Irish airline serves over 100 global destinations including over 16 U.S. cities such as Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more.
To book a nonstop flight on Aer Lingus from the Indy airport to Dublin, click here.
About Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus was founded in 1936. Aer Lingus operates over 100 routes from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock to Europe, the UK and North America. Reaffirming its commitment to its North American expansion, Aer Lingus now offers 19 transatlantic routes between Dublin to North America.
Aer Lingus is a 4-star airline, awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation. Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s largest airline groups. As part of IAG, Aer Lingus has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has committed to powering 10% of its flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the State economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 14-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit iedc.in.gov.
About the Indianapolis Airport Authority
The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field, Indianapolis Regional Airport and Metropolitan Airport. IND generates a $7.5 billion total annual economic impact to the state of Indiana – without relying on state or local taxes to fund operations. The IAA is a “Best Place to Work in Indiana.” More than 11,000 people work at the airport each day, and nearly 54,000 jobs statewide have a connection to the airport. In 2023, IND served more than 9.7 million business and leisure travelers. IND is consistently ranked, year after year, as the best airport in North America and the nation based on ease of use, passenger amenities, customer service, local retail offerings and public art. The airport is home to the world’s second-largest FedEx operation and the nation’s eighth-largest cargo facility. To join the award-winning team, visit IND.com/Careers.
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